Tuithaphai, June 11, 2025: The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body of the Kuki tribes, has issued a strong condemnation against the National Investigation Agency (NIA) over what it calls a “baseless and inflammatory” allegation branding Kuki Inpi Tengnoupal - a federating unit of KIM - as an insurgent group.
In a press release issued by Janghaolun Haokip, Secretary of Information & Publicity, KIM expressed “deep outrage and vehement condemnation” of the NIA’s characterization, calling it an alarming misrepresentation of an indigenous socio-political institution.
“The branding of such a time-honored and revered institution as an insurgent group by the NIA is grave ignorance, irresponsibility, and an alarming mischaracterization of indigenous institutions,” the statement said.
The organization emphasized that Kuki Inpi is a traditional and legitimate socio-political body that exists to preserve customary laws, promote peace, and represent the voice of the Kuki people. The accusation, KIM argues, is not only factually incorrect but also an affront to the dignity, resilience, and self-governance of the Kuki-Zo people.
The statement comes amid heightened tensions and a fragile security environment in Manipur. KIM said the mislabeling occurs at a time when the Kuki-Zo people face what it describes as an “existential crisis” under the watch of the current Manipur State leadership.
KIM has urged the NIA to immediately withdraw and rectify the allegation, and called for responsible, informed dialogue with indigenous institutions. The organization warned that continuing such narratives could inflame an already volatile situation.
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“At a time of extreme suffering and trauma, such indifferent actions from national bodies only serve to escalate tensions and widen mistrust,” KIM stated, cautioning that continued insensitivity may force the Kuki-Zo people to consider “all necessary options” to defend their existence, dignity, and future.
KIM concluded by warning that institutional indifference and vilification will only provoke “just and determined resistance.”
